BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I use a long mtn bike type nylon toe strap to strap my ulock to the top of the rack. They are quite strong, don't stretch, you can crank it down quite firmly so there are no bounces or rattles, and it has never inadvertently released on me. I keep one on each rack all the time regardless of the lock, you don't even notice it's there and it can be quite handy for strapping many things, like a jacket when it gets too warm or whatever.

@Elmo -- I picked up a new Surly LHT and rack this summer. I wanted to do the same as you, and had the same issue. I settled on getting a length of Velcro tape long enough to cut two pieces of different lengths from it. I have an OnGuard medium U-lock that will fit parking meters. On my rack the top of the lock (the U portion) sits at the front of the rack under the seat. I Velco it with the shorter piece of tape. The base of the lock sits just about over one of the cross braces of the rack, close enough that the longer piece of tape will wrap around both base of the lock and the cross brace of the rack. If I cinch them tight, the lock won't move. Basically figure where the lock can sit on your rack so you can cinch both ends of the lock to some part on the rack frame using the Velcro tape. One issue can be if you have fenders on the bike it can be tight to wrap the velcro through the clearance without it sticking to itself before you want it to. But can eventually figure out how to do it. I like Edmond59's suggestion also.

What "terrible conditions" are you referring to? I really like living and riding in Pittsburgh.

I really like the Furley I bought recently also. I would probably use bungees.

I lock the lock to the "loop" on the front of the rack then use a bungie to hold the back part of the lock to the rack. If the bungie ever breaks the lock will swing forward but it's still firmly attached. Or I just put the lock in my back jeans pocket. It's less uncomfortable than you might think.

There's also the twofish lockblock if you have space to attach it to your frame. I love their flashlight holder. http://www.twofish.biz/bike.html

Don't most U-locks come w/ holders?

regarding a few items "terrible conditions" meaning not ideal riding conditions. Just typical Pittsburgh winter. I don't mind it with the Furley, it's quite a tank. Sidenote: I have been enjoying the small piles of salt that are popping up everywhere. The potholes were becoming easy to avoid, so it's nice having a new challenge. I do keep it in the back of my pants when I wear pants with a belt. However sometimes I'm riding in my rain pants, and need somewhere else to put the lock. Can't bring myself to attach it to the frame, ruins the aesthetic of the bike for me. I know it makes all the sense in the world, but I wouldn't be able to look at my bike the same ever again.

Yeah, I have a pile of those never-used frame clips. They don't seem all that secure, and the lock is much more stable strapped on the rack anyway. Also I usually pull the clip thing off the ulock itself, makes it easier to get through small openings and what-not.